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The Indonesian Express
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ANTARA/Prisca Triferna
The Government To Stopping Plastic Waste And Tighten Paper Waste Imports
Wednesday, 06 Nov 2024
The Minister of Environment, Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, stated that the cessation of plastic waste imports and the tightening of regulations regarding paper waste will ensure that other countries do not dump their waste in Indonesia. This announcement was made by Hanif following an inspection of an unlicensed landfill in Bogor Regency, West Java, on Monday, November 4, 2024. He emphasized that Indonesia will no longer serve as a dumping ground for other nations through waste import practices that cater to industrial needs. "Incineration is costly. It is more economical to dispose of waste in Indonesia, where individuals are willing to import it and store it in our country. We must put an end to this," Hanif remarked. He noted that Indonesia has the potential to meet its plastic waste raw material requirements, which are set to be halted by 2025. Regarding paper waste, his ministry will impose stricter import requirements. Specifically, Hanif explained that out of the annual demand of 14 million tons, approximately 7 million tons is sourced from pulp production in industrial plantations. The remaining 7 million tons consists of 3.5 million tons of domestic plastic waste and the rest from imports. "We cannot act indiscriminately, as a significant portion of paper products is re-exported. Therefore, we must carefully monitor this cycle," he stated. The decision to impose restrictions is driven by the fact that waste imports do not support the government's ongoing efforts to manage and reduce waste. "Under these circumstances, we will continue to impose limitations until waste management practices are improved," Hanif concluded. Hanif also emphasized the current tolerance level for contaminants in non-hazardous waste, which stands at two percent, including paper waste. It is anticipated that one of the measures to tighten import requirements will involve reducing the impurity levels of waste to the lowest possible extent. "I reported to President Prabowo yesterday. He also requested that we cease the importation of plastic waste. Furthermore, he instructed us to revise the recommendations for importing paper for recycling," he stated. Data from the National Waste Management Information System (SIPSN) in 2023 indicates that there are 38.2 million tons of waste generated nationwide, with only 61.75 percent of it being managed. Among this total, plastic waste constitutes the second largest category, accounting for 19.21 percent, following food waste, which contributes 39.65 percent.
